Synopses & Reviews
A Christmas Story has become a perennial holiday favourite since its release in 1983. While millions watch the movie every year on television, few know the story behind the films production, release, and unlikely ascent. Ralphie Parkers quest for a Red Ryder carbine action, two hundred shot Range Model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time” didnt begin or end with the release of Bob Clarks sleeper hit. Adapted from Jean Shepherds radio broadcasts and short stories, A Christmas Story has inspired a mountain of merchandise, sequels, a stage adaptation, and a big-budget Broadway musical. Theres also a tourist attraction in Cleveland and annual conventions. Not bad for a movie that was only a modest hit during its original theatrical run. Now, in time for its 30th anniversary, the story of the making of the film and what happened afterwards is being told for the first time. Complete with rare and previously unreleased photographs and drawing on original interviews with cast and crew,
A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic is sure to make you glad you didnt shoot your eye out!
Review
“All Pee-wee fans will enjoy this informative and fun text.” — Library Journal on Inside Pee-wees Playhouse
Review
“Though brutally honest in recounting crew conflicts and the fickle world of show business, Gaines demonstrates the enchantment and broad appeal of the Playhouse, as well as the spontaneity of a show where "anything could happen." — Publishers Weekly on Inside Pee-wees Playhouse
Review
"Speaking of comprehensive, Caseen Gaines A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic can easily be called the definitive book about Bob Clarks 1983 classic holiday film. Filled with untold stories, unreleased photographs, and much more, Gaines book is the perfect companion to the perfect holiday movie." Parade.com
"Fans of the film and film fans in general will love this book. Extremely detailed and immensely fun to read, Caseen Gaines book only adds to the magic that is A Christmas Story. Expertly told in a style and tone that would make Jean Shepherd and Bob Clark proud." Michael Ambers, producer of the TV Guide Networks The Cast of A Christmas Story: Where Are They Now
"The ultimate companion book to the ultimate holiday movie!" Mike Gencarelli, MediaMikes.com
"An iconic and brilliant part of Americana is brought back to life through Caseen Gaines' book. I couldn't stop smiling while reading it!" Noah Levy, cohost of VH1's The Gossip Table
"A Christmas Story, everyones favorite modern holiday classic, finally gets the extraordinary book it deserves. Caseen Gaines comprehensive, insightful and beautifully illustrated look at Ralphie Parker and his family will make perennial viewings of this beloved comedy an even richer and more entertaining tradition." Jeremy Kinser, Queerty
Synopsis
For the thousands who love the offbeat Yuletide classic A Christmas Story comes a delightful gift book with rare and previously unreleased photographs, behind-the-scenes knowledge, and interviews with the stars of the beloved film.
Learn about the special effects required to stick Flick's tongue to the frozen pole, the film's unlikely rise to fame after a mediocre theatre debut, and which famous actor Darren McGavin beat out for the role of the Old Man.
Since its release in 1983, A Christmas Story has become a perennial holiday favorite. While millions watch the movie every year on television, few know the story behind the film's production, release, and unlikely ascent. Ralphie Parker's quest for "a Red Ryder carbine action, two hundred shot Range Model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time" didn't begin or end with Bob Clark's sleeper hit. Adapted from Jean Shepherd's radio broadcasts and short stories, A Christmas Story has inspired a mountain of merchandise, two sequels, and a big-budget Broadway musical. Not bad for a movie that was only a modest hit during its original theatrical run. Now fans can delve into the story behind the making of the film -- and the story of what happened after its release. Drawing on original interviews with cast and crew, and complete with rare and previously unreleased photographs, A Christmas Story: Behind the Scenes of a Holiday Classic is sure to make you glad you didn't shoot your eye out
Synopsis
"The definitive book about Bob Clark's 1983 classic holiday film." -- Parade
A delightful gift book with rare and previously unreleased photographs, behind-the-scenes insight, and interviews with the stars of the beloved film
Learn about the special effects required to stick Flick's tongue to the frozen pole, the film's unlikely rise to fame after a mediocre theater debut, and which famous actor Darren McGavin beat out for the role of the Old Man
From Jean Shepherd's original radio broadcasts to Bob Clark's 1983 sleeper hit film and beyond, A Christmas Story has become a beloved yuletide tradition over the last three decades. This engaging book reveals -- and celebrates -- the inside scoop behind the film's production, release, and unlikely ascent to the top of popular culture.
This is the untold story of the making of the film -- and what happened afterwards. Ralphie Parker's quest for a Red Ryder Air Rifle didn't conclude with the movie's release; the tale inspired massive VHS sales, a Broadway production, and a mountain of merchandise. Complete with rare and previously unreleased photographs, this book provides fans of the movie and film buffs alike with all they didn't know about the timeless classic.
Synopsis
The definitive guide to everything fans want to know about A Christmas Story shares the inside story behind the films production, release, and unlikely ascent to the top of popular culture. From Jean Shepherds original radio broadcasts to Bob Clarks 1983 sleeper hit film and beyond, A Christmas Story has become a beloved Yuletide tradition over the last three decades. In conjunction with the 30th anniversary of its theatrical release, this is the untold story of the making of the film, and what happened afterwards. Ralphie Parkers quest for a Red Ryder air rifle didnt end with the movies release; the tale inspired massive VHS sales, a Broadway production, and a mountain of merchandise. Complete with rare and previously unreleased photographs, now fans of the movie and film buffs alike can lean all they didnt know about the timeless classic.
About the Author
Caseen Gaines is a pop culture enthusiast who has won awards for essays on The Flip Wilson Show and the Planet of the Apes film series. He is a high school English teacher, the cofounder of Hackensack Theatre Company, and the author of Inside Pee-wees Playhouse. He lives in Hackensack, New Jersey.